Daily Archive : Thursday July 25, 2013

News

No love for the ill-mannered cowbird
By Jeff ReiterOne of the most interesting birds around is also among the most disliked. I speak of the villainous brown-headed cowbird. Understandably, birders are critical of the cowbird, a brood parasite that deposits its eggs in other birds’ nests. This makes child-rearing difficult or worse for the host species.

Arlington Heights holds biannual goals meeting
By Melissa SilverbergArlington Heights officials met this week to discuss their goals and vision for the village over the next few years. The village board laid out a plan including several big picture topics to focus on, as well as smaller objectives of how to get there,

Rebel pope urges Catholics to shake up dioceses Associated PressPope Francis has shown the world his rebellious side, urging young Catholics to shake up the church and make a "mess" in their dioceses by going out into the streets to spread the faith. It's a message he put into practice by visiting one of Rio's most violent slums and opening the church's World Youth Day on a rain-soaked Copacabana Beach.

Police detain Spain train crash driver as suspectAssociated PressSpanish police on Friday detained the driver of a train that crashed in northwestern Spain, lowered the death toll from 80 to 78 and took possession of the "black box" of the train expected to shed light on why it was going faster than the speed limit on the curve where it derailed.

Sign process more complex than it looks By Steve Zalusky
People who drive through Buffalo Grove may not appreciate the complex effort that sometimes goes into the installation of a sign. Case in point: the new sign at the Cambridge Commons Shopping Center, where a Fresh Farms grocery store is opening. Last week, the village board approved the sign, but only after enacting a host of restrictions on its digital display.

Film fans check out Palatine’s Blue Whiskey fest Daily Herald reportWhen Fremd High School grad Michael Noens founded the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival four years ago, his mission was to present the Chicago area with riveting and creative independent films from across the globe with one thing in common: a strong, powerful story. Film enthusiasts are getting just that, screening more than 30 shorts and feature-length films at Palatine's Cutting Hall...

Huntley approves extension for village manager
By Lenore T. AdkinsHuntley's village board has approved a contract extension for Village Manager Dave Johnson, one that keeps him on through spring 2017. Johnson, village manager since 2008, thank the board for having faith in him.“I think we have a great thing going here," Johnson said. "I look forward to serving this comunity — it’s something that’s a passion of mine.”

Neighbors dive in but can't rescue man who drove into Arlington Hts. pond By Melissa Silverberg
Two neighbors, a police officer and a dive team tried frantically to get Henry Laseke out of his SUV after it rolled into a retention pond in Arlington Heights. But Laseke, 89, died at Northwest Community Hospital. “I didn't have the tools, but there was no way I was going to just stand there and watch,” one neighbor said. “I will never, ever be comfortable with the fact that I...

Poshard announces retirement as SIU president
Associated PressSouthern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard announced Thursday that he will retire next year, saying he is ready for the next chapter in his life. Poshard, who has led the university since 2005, said he will step down on June 30, even though his contract expires in 2015.

Images: Thursday’s Lake County Fair
Photos of the 85th Annual Lake County Fair in Grayslake from Thursday, July 25. Sheep shearing, images of the new Miss Lake County Queen, scenes from the midway and much more.

Lobsterman survives night in sea, thanks to boots
Associated PressA Long Island lobsterman who spent 12 hours floating in the Atlantic Ocean after falling off his boat joked Thursday that he may have the two rubber boots that kept him afloat bronzed.

Curtain comes down on COD arts center directorBy Christopher PlacekWhen Stephen Cummins looks back on his seven years at the helm of the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, he’ll think of all the artists, musicians and actors who have walked through the center’s doors. But he’ll especially remember the times when the center went out into the community.

Elgin resident survey put on holdBy Elena FerrarinElgin residents won’t get the chance to participate in a survey about city services, at least for now. A motion to spend $39,750 on a survey of about 800 residents to be done by Kansas-based ETC Institute died after a 4-4 vote at the committee of the whole meeting Wednesday night.

Prosecutor wants driver’s probation revoked
By Lee FilasAn Antioch-area teen was on probation when he took part in a street race that killed an Antioch High School student in Gurnee, officials said Thursday. Michael Dawson, 19, pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of reckless homicide and aggravated street racing in the June 24 drag race that killed Cynthia Perez, 16, of Antioch.

Daley: Let governor appoint some of Metra boardBy Mike Riopell and Marni PykeDemocratic candidate for governor Bill Daley wants to reorganize the Metra board, allowing the Illinois governor to appoint five of 11 members, he said Thursday. “Leadership is about solving problems, even if it means upsetting the status quo,” Daley said in a statement. “The status quo at both the RTA and Metra isn’t working and it’s time to make major changes.”

Roselle may lift video gambling ban
By Robert SanchezMore than three years after outlawing video gambling machines in Roselle, the village board is ready to lift the ban. But bars, restaurants and a veterans establishment in Roselle likely will have to meet several local requirements before they can install the machines.

Judge: Accused W. Dundee youth pastor may travel
By Harry HitzemanA West Dundee church youth director accused of having sex with a minor made his first appearance in Kane County court Thursday and was granted permission to travel to Massachusetts for a family reunion in early August. Chad A. Coe, 31, of Elgin, is free on $10,000 bond and is not to have any contact with children under 18. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

Pingree Grove village president vetoes salt barn
By Elena FerrarinThe village president in Pingree Grove vetoed a decision by the village board to spend money toward the construction of a new salt storage barn, but the board still can override that with a “supermajority” vote, officials said.

Pit bull could be euthanized for Wauconda attack
By Conor MorrisThe fate of the Wauconda pit bull that attacked and killed a small dog this week will be decided Aug. 5, county officials said Thursday. One option is for the dog named Chuck to be "humanely euthanized," Lake County Animal Care and Control officials said.

Striking back against court’s Voting Rights ruling
Associated PressThe Obama administration opened an aggressive new front in the battle over voter protection Thursday, singling out Texas for legal action and promising broader efforts to come after last month’s Supreme Court ruling that wiped out a major provision of the Voting Rights Act.

Ex-Batavia alderman Tom Schmitz dies
By Susan SarkauskasFormer Batavia Alderman Tom Schmitz has died. He was also the father of state Rep. Tim Schmitz. Tom Schmitz was on the city council from 1999 to 2011. He also served on the Batavia school board.

Juror says she owes Martin’s parents apology
Associated PressThe second juror to speak publicly told ABC News in an interview made available Thursday that she feels George Zimmerman got away with murder for fatally shooting Trayvon Martin, but that there wasn’t enough evidence at trial to convict him under Florida law.

Starting high school later may help sleepy teens
Associated PressAbout 40 percent of U.S. public high schools open before 8 a.m., according to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, with just 15 percent starting 8:30 a.m. or later. In districts where early starts are necessary because the same bus does multiple runs for high school, middle school and elementary students, teens often get the early shift.

Tri-Cities police reports
Someone vandalized a mailbox, house and vehicle, and broke a garage door, between midnight at 5:15 a.m. July 22 at a home on the 1200 block of Payne Avenue.

4 Russians, 1 Ukrainian charged in massive hacking
Associated PressFour Russian nationals and a Ukrainian have been charged with running a sophisticated hacking organization that penetrated computer networks of more than a dozen major American and international corporations over seven years, stealing and selling at least 160 million credit and debit card numbers, resulting in losses of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Feds charge hedge fund SAC Capital in NY case
One of Wall Street’s biggest and most successful hedge fund companies was a hotbed of insider trading and its embattled billionaire owner wanted to hear no evil, prosecutors said in an indictment unsealed Thursday that claimed the firm earned hundreds of millions of dollars illegally.

District 204 will use search firm to find superintendent
By Marie WilsonIndian Prairie School District 204 has reached out to several search firms as the first step toward finding a new superintendent to succeed the retiring Kathy Birkett, district officials said Thursday. "We want to make sure we’re getting a search firm that’s open to getting community feedback,” board President Lori Price said.

New venue for Aurora’s Puerto Rican Heritage Fest
By Sean HammondThere will be plenty that’s familiar at this weekend’s 42nd annual Aurora Puerto Rican Heritage Fest, with one notable exception: the venue. For the first time, the festival will be held at the city’s spanking new RiverEdge Park near downtown.

Northwest suburban police blotter
By Freida GadThree men and a woman filled four black mesh shopping bags at Kohl's in Mount Prospect and fled in a white sedan driven by a fifth offender. The shoplifters were organized and quickly filled the bags. They assembled at the north exit door, saw the vehicle’s driver flash the headlights, and then the four ran out and into the sedan. A security alarm sounded but they escaped so quickly no one from...

(No heading)Daily Herald reportThe community is invited to receptions on Aug. 6 to meet two new principals in Glenbard High School District 87.

Dozens of teenage workers sprayed in Illinois corn field
Associated PressAlmost 80 teenagers were expected to be sent home from an eastern Illinois hospital Thursday after being accidentally sprayed with fungicide from a crop-dusting plane as they worked in corn field, officials said.

Hanover Park police invite public to Virtual Ride Along
By Kimberly PohlMost people won’t get the opportunity to spend time in the back of a squad car — at least, not on a voluntary basis — to see firsthand how police officers go about their shift. So the Hanover Park Police Department came up with a Virtual Ride Along. It will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday.

Attorneys working to avoid appeal in U-46 discrimination case
By Tara García MathewsonAttorneys on both sides of a discrimination case against Elgin Area School District U-46 spent almost an hour in the presiding judge’s chambers Thursday discussing ways to resolve the case without resorting to an appeal. The content of that conversation was closed to the public and the media.

Quinn OKs funding for Peotone airport, DePaul arena
Associated PressAfter decades of dispute, the possibility of a third airport in the Chicago area finally materialized Thursday as Gov. Pat Quinn signed a wide-ranging bill that’ll put state transportation officials in charge of the hub and allow them to spend $71 million on land.

Comptroller says she can’t pay lawmakers
Associated PressIllinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka said Thursday that she has no choice but to withhold lawmakers’ paychecks, citing a precedent-setting court case that bars her from paying state employees without a budget appropriation or court order.

Impersonation suspect released on I-bond
Associated PressCook Count Bond Court Judge Laura Sullivan ordered Thursday that Vincent Richardson be released on a promise to appear in court on Aug. 15. Richardson, 19, is accused of impersonating a Chicago police officer — more than four years after he passed himself off as one and even rode around on patrol for five hours.

Lincoln Park Zoo’s new monkey hard to miss You can’t miss the Lincoln Park Zoo’s new baby monkey. The Francois’ langur’s fur is a vivid burnt orange hue that stands out against the black fur of the older langurs. But if you want to catch the baby’s bright birthday look, you’ll have to visit the zoo’s Primate House before the color fades over the next three to six months.

Sebelius recruits women to blog about health law
Associated PressOver breakfast at a blogging conference Thursday in Chicago, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius asked a banquet hall full of bloggers — most of them women — to help spread the word about new health insurance opportunities that begin this fall under the Affordable Care Act.

Cicero teen charged in baby’s death in Michigan
Associated PressA Cicero teenager faces a murder charge after authorities say she gave birth at a northern Lower Michigan campsite to a baby who later died. State police Sgt. Scott Bates says an autopsy shows the newborn died of blunt force trauma.

9 indicted on extortion charges
Associated PressA grand jury has handed up indictments of nine Chicago-area men accused of using fear and intimidation to collect debts.

U of I president gets contract extension
Associated PressUniversity of Illinois trustees have extended university President Robert Easter’s contract by a year. Trustees on Thursday in Chicago agreed to a deal that keeps Easter as president through June 2015.

2 teens found dead in Harvard backyard
Associated PressHarvard police say officers found 17-year-old Jacqueline Flores of Harvard and 19-year-old Miguel Andrade of Belvidere dead early Thursday. They are investigating the deaths as a homicide and suicide.

Special Olympics fundraiser Sunday in Long Grove
Daily Herald reportA Cigars & Cars fundraiser for the Illinois Special Olympics will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 28, in Long Grove sponsored by Buffalo Grove and Kildeer police departments and Neumann’s Cigars.

Batavia still dealing with remnants of bygone era on Fox River By Susan Sarkauskas
Perhaps as much as any town along the Fox River, Batavia still is home to many of the vestiges of its industrial era of the 1800s, the factories and the windmills. But there also have been numerous efforts to bring the river into the 21st century -- efforts that continue today.

Sugar Grove Corn Boil festival starts July 26By Jennifer TranmerThe Sugar Grove Corn Boil is back this year with a new addition: a jumbotron that will live feed bands featured at the three-day festival. “It’s something very different for us,” said Jean Lindsay, president of the Corn Boil committee.

Commentator discusses ‘Fixing Illinois’ at Elmhurst College
Elmhurst College submissionPolitical commentator and possible gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft will offer his perspective on Illinois’ fiscal challenges and how to solve them as the next speaker in Elmhurst College’s Fixing Illinois lecture series.

Weiner: I messaged up to 3 women after resigning
Associated PressAnthony Weiner said Thursday that he’d traded racy messages with as many as three women since similar sexting forced him out of Congress. But as he tried to tamp down questions about his behavior, a poll suggested the new disclosures were taking a toll on his mayoral prospects and the House’s top Democrat excoriated him.

Prosecutors: Manning wanted attention for leaks
Associated PressThe court-martial of a U.S. Army private who leaked reams of classified information to WikiLeaks is heading toward closing arguments. The trial of Pfc. Bradley Manning enters its eighth week Thursday at Fort Meade, near Baltimore.

Fire out at natural gas well off La. coast
Associated PressOfficials say the fire is out at a natural gas well in the Gulf of Mexico that blew wild earlier in the week. Natural gas stopped flowing from the well earlier Thursday, and the remaining fire had been fueled by residual gas.

Roselle negotiating new fire protection deal
By Robert SanchezMoney is the sticking point as the village of Roselle and the Roselle Fire Protection District try to negotiate a new contract to ensure continued fire and ambulance service for nearby unincorporated areas.

Police sting nabs Schaumburg robbery suspects Daily Herald reportA Schaumburg police sting operation Tuesday ended with the arrests of two suburban men suspected in a string armed robberies in the village. Brandon D. Timberlake of Arlington Heights, and Jay V. Dixon Jr. of Skokie, each face a charge of aggravated robbery stemming from an investigation into three holdups involving iPhones.

Daley: transit body is ‘bureaucratic Frankenstein’
Associated PressFormer White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley is calling for a shake up of public transit in the Chicago metropolitan area after allegations of improper political influence over the Metra rail agency. Daley is taking aim at the Regional Transportation Authority, which has financial oversight of northeastern Illinois’ three transit agencies, including Metra.

Wheeling restaurant open after it fills with smoke
Daily Herald reportBuca di Beppo in Wheeling is open for business after smoke filled the Italian restaurant this morning.Fire Chief Keith MacIsaac said there was a problem with the air conditioner motor, which caused smoke to cover the roof and most of the interior. “It wasn’t much of anything,” MacIsaac said. “No damage was done.”

Admiration, puzzlement over Weiner’s loyal wife
Associated PressWhen Huma Abedin first started getting media attention years ago, some people couldn’t help but wonder what this beautiful, ambitious woman with high-fashion sense and a world-class Rolodex saw in Anthony Weiner. That’s a question New Yorkers might be asking themselves again.

Obama economic tour attracts low expectations
Associated PressIt’s hard to find anyone who thinks President Barack Obama’s series of heavily promoted economic speeches will be the flash point that unclogs the system in Washington — including the president.

Korean War foes gather in N. Korea to remember war
Associated PressPYONGYANG, North Korea — Two decorated U.S. war veterans who survived one of the worst battles of the Korean War found themselves among former foes at a memorial ceremony Thursday as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un launched the country’s commemoration of the war’s end 60 years ago.

Northwest suburbs in 60 seconds
By Freida GadThree men were arrested in Hoffman Estates in connection with the theft of $1,474 in merchandise from the Streamwood Walmart, police said. A security agent for Walmart, 850 S. Barrington Road, said he saw them take two laptop computers, a TV, pet bed and towels. They left the items in the parking lot when the agent confronted them and they fled in an SUV, reports said. An officer traveling east...

Manage emotional sensitivity for successful relationships
By Ken PottsSome people are emotionally sensitive, more affected by the drama of everyday life than the average population. But learning to live with being emotionally sensitive is awfully important, our Ken Potts says. Developing a few emotional calluses just might help.

Senate pushes sanctions on nations aiding Snowden
Associated PressWASHINGTON — Congress is advancing sanctions against Russia or any other country offering asylum to National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden.The measure introduced by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina demands the State Department coordinate with lawmakers on setting penalties against nations that seek to help Snowden avoid extradition to the United States.

Unbowed, foes of spying program vow to fight on
Associated PressOpponents of the National Security Agency’s collection of hundreds of millions of Americans’ phone records insist they will press ahead with their challenge to the massive surveillance program after a narrow defeat in the House.

Claims against mayor inflict turmoil on San Diego
Associated PressThe problems for San Diego Mayor Bob Filner began two weeks ago when a former councilwoman and onetime Filner supporter called for the mayor to step down, saying she had received credible evidence that he had harassed women. Filner issued a video statement, apologizing for intimidating and “failing to fully respect” women. He shows no sign of quitting.

Naperville's Artful Impact strives to change lives through the arts By Christie Willhite
Life may be a cabaret, old chum, but a little cabaret can add a lot to life. Especially when it's a Cabaret for a Cause, brought together by Artful Impact. The Naperville-based not-for-profit was founded on the theory that art can change lives — both for the performers and the community. Organizers created Cabaret for a Cause to do just that.

Vt. town worried over sex offender’s release
Associated PressThe hours are ticking down toward the release from prison of Timothy J. Szad, a sex offender deemed so dangerous that Vermont authorities are warning the public. Vermont, unlike several other states, has no “civil commitment” law that allows sex offenders who are considered a danger to the public to be kept locked up once they have completed their prison sentences.

At 112, NY man is world’s oldest; oldest woman 115
Associated PressA 112-year-old self-taught musician, coal miner and gin rummy aficionado from western New York is the world’s oldest man, according to Guinness World Records Ltd. Robert Young, senior gerontology consultant with Guinness World Records, said 90 percent of all supercentenarians are female and Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez is currently the only male born in 1901 with proof of birth.

Using a leash is not only safe, it’s the law
By Ellaine KirilukI was Downtown yesterday evening and noticed how many people were walking their dogs. Big dogs, little dogs, mixed breeds, purebreds. All the dogs being leashed made for a comfortable and safe environment for everyone - dogs included. Leash laws do work.

Summit on urban violence to begin in Chicago
Associated PressA summit on urban violence is being held Thursday and Friday at Chicago State University. The event was called for by Illinois congressmen Bobby Rush, Danny Davis and Robin Kelly in response to violence in Chicago.

Ex-Chicago police sergeant’s prison sentence cut
Associated PressA former leader of the Chicago Police Sergeants Association who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for stealing more than $1 million from the union has had his sentence reduced. Cook County Circuit Judge Diane Cannon on Wednesday resentenced John Pallohusky to eight years in prison after his attorneys said he could pay back $465,000 to the association.

AG: States should prosecute online sex trafficking
Associated PressAttorney General Lisa Madigan wants Congress to help states better fight sex trafficking. The Illinois Democrat and 48 other attorneys general sent a letter to lawmakers Wednesday, asking Congress to change the Communications Decency Act.

Budweiser Clydesdales make deliveries in Arlington HeightsBy Reema Amin
It seemed no parking was left Wednesday afternoon in downtown Arlington Heights, where the renowned Budweiser Clydesdales paid a visit. Hundreds of people stood on their toes and perched children on their shoulders along Vail Street to see the horses get hitched to their wagon at 4 p.m. The horses toured downtown from 5 to 7 p.m., delivering cartons of beer to local restaurants. “We love...

The destiny for most suburbs is to adopt a boring motto By Burt ConstableDo you know your suburb's motto? Here's a hint: It's boring and probably also could be the motto of the community next door. Unless you happen to live in the "City of Destiny." Town mottos are like nicknames in that the best ones, such as “City of Big Shoulders” for Chicago, are bestowed by others and not self-proclaimed, such as “Urbus en Horto” (“City in a...

Glen Ellyn mourns loss of 1970s mayorBy Lenore T. AdkinsConstance “Connie” Zimmermann, a Glen Ellyn village president who oversaw various redevelopment and expansion efforts during a single term in the 1970s, passed away late last month at her daughter’s Wisconsin home.“She has always been regarded as one of our best presidents and she was an outstanding resident,” Village President Alexander Demos said.

Sports

Source: Hawks to reward Quenneville with new deal
By Tim SassoneAfter leading the Blackhawks to two Stanley Cup championships in the last four seasons, coach Joel Quenneville will be rewarded with a contract extension Friday at a news conference to open the team’s sixth annual convention, according to a source. Quenneville’s .652 winning percentage during the regular season is the best in franchise history. He is 45-28 in the playoffs.

Keeping it all in the soccer family
By Orrin SchwarzMike Magee walked into the Chicago Fire’s Toyota Park locker room after last Saturday’s 4-1 victory against D.C. United and went looking for another score.

Cubs get 21-year-old pitcher for Soriano By Bruce Miles
Alfonso Soriano’s Cubs career has come to an end. An anonymous source has told USA Today that the deal with the New York Yankees has been completed and awaits final approval from MLB officials. Soriano flew to New York, according to the report, and is expected to be in the lineup for Friday's Yankees game. The Cubs, who are expected to pay the bulk of Soriano's salary, said late Friday that acquired a 21-year-old pitcher, Corey Black, for Soriano.

Williamson, Bandits control Comets
Special to the Daily HeraldAndi Williamson earned her sixth victory of the season as the host Chicago Bandits earned a 12-3 win against the New York/New Jersey Comets. Williams improved upon the best record in the league for rookie pitchers this season.

Elk Grove pitches past Mt. Prospect
By Dick QuaglianoWith a short Cook County Legion tournament and the games now at 9 innings, Elk Grove coach Kevin Miller knows that he as to conserve his arms if the top-seeded Red Sox hope to advance to next week’s state tournament. Miller got some early help from his offense and then used four pitchers as Elk Grove blanked Mt. Prospect 10-0 in just 7 innings at Rec Park in Arlington Heights in a shortened game. Elk Grove (27-5) will meet the winner of Arlington-Elmwood Park in the winner’s bracket final at noon Saturday.

Hit-happy Cougars subdue Snappers
Special to the Daily HeraldA season-high 20-hit outburst boosted the Kane County Cougars to a convincing 11-8 victory over the host Beloit Snappers on Thursday night, evening the series at one game apiece.

Grizzlies rake Boomers
Special to the Daily HeraldThe Gateway Grizzlies scored 3 runs in the first and never trailed in a 10-3 win over the host Schaumburg Boomers in the opener of a key series on Thursday night.

Hester out to prove his worth
By Bob LeGereDevin Hester is one of 43 Bears in their contract years, and he's OK with general manager Phil Emery's vow not to do any new deals during the season. By concentrating exclusively on returning kicks, Hester is confident he can regain the form that has resulted in NFL career records for combined kick-return and punt-return touchdowns and thereby cash in after the season.

Vernon Hills’ Webb goes Green
By Joe AguilarApologies to Nashville, but Lauren Webb will pass. There she goes, displaying her point-guard tendencies again. Before heading to Tennessee this week to play basketball with her Illinois Elite AAU team in a tournament called Music City Madness, the Vernon Hills incoming senior sang the praises of Bowling Green State University in Ohio. A 6-footer in a power forward’s body who successfully transitioned temporarily to point guard for her high school team last winter, Webb verbally committed to the Falcons, who are a Mid-American Conference power.

Rose certainly hasn’t lost confidence
By Mike SpellmanHere's hoping Derrick Rose can back up his boast that he's the best player in the NBA. Considering he hasn't played in a year and LeBron James is still in the league, Rose has a tough hill to climb. Hope he can do it. That and much more in Spellman's Scorecard.

Peavy proves he’s got what it takes
By Scot GregorIn what was likely his last start in a White Sox uniform Thursday, obvious trade candidate Jake Peavy showed contending teams he is healthy and effective while pitching 7-plus innings in a 7-4 win over the Tigers at U.S. Cellular Field.

Bears’ Gould backtracks on extension rant
By Bob LeGereAfter voicing his disapproval over the team's intention not to negotiate any new contrcats during the season and saying G.M. Phil Emery would have to pay double after the season to keep him, Bears kicker Robbie Gould said he'd be happy to play the remainder of his career with the team. But he knows that's not always how things work out.

Wolves re-sign forward Davies
By Daily Herald News ServicesThe Chicago Wolves have re-signed 26-year-old forward Michael Davies. Last season Davies finished in a tie for fourth on the Wolves with a career-best 15 goals and tied for ninth on the club with 25 points in 57 games.

No excuses for Bears' offense By Bob LeGere
Coach Marc Trestman says the excuse that the offense is in its first year in a new scheme won't be a valid one this season. “We've got to go out and we've got to be ready on Sept. 8 (at home vs. the Bengals) with our players feeling like we can go out and beat anybody with expectations that we can,” Trestman said. “And I believe we will."

Mike North video: Gruesome Ankle Break?
Atlanta Braves’ pitcher Tim Hudson went down when the New York Mets’ Eric Young Jr. inadvertently stepped on his ankle as Hudson covered first base. People are calling it too gruesome to watch. Mike North says a gruesome break is what Joe Theismann experienced, not what we saw with Tim Hudson.

Cubs blow 6-0 lead, then win it in the 12th Associated PressNate Schierholtz lined a two-out double into the left-field corner in the top of the 12th inning to drive in the go-ahead run and the Chicago Cubs held on to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 Wednesday night -- or early this morning Chicago time.

Sox eager to put dismal July behind themBy Scot Gregor
The White Sox (39-59) lost to the Tigers again Wednesday night, and they are 20 games under .500 for the first time since late in the 2007 season. Still, manager Robin Ventura sees better days ahead after the July 31 trade deadline passes.

Business

Quinn to OK bill for Peotone airport, DePaul arena Associated PressGov. Pat Quinn is set to sign legislation that will push forward long-stalled plans for a third Chicago area airport and a DePaul University sports complex. It would also award tax incentives for a fertilizer plant in central Illinois.

United Continental boosts 2Q earnings 38 pct.
Associated PressThe parent of United Airlines says its profit rose 38 percent as it spent less on fuel and slightly boosted fares. United cut flying by 2 percent compared to a year earlier, but passengers paid slightly more to fly. Also, United’s fuel bill dropped 10 percent as it flew less and the price of fuel dropped.

Facebook shares soar on big 2nd quarter
Associated PressFacebook shares soared Thursday after the social media giant pushed aggressively into mobile advertising and reported much-improved second-quarter revenue and profit. The stock is trading at levels not seen since shortly after its IPO last year.

Industry finalizing new mobile app guidelines
Associated PressIndustry groups and privacy advocates on Thursday were near agreement on voluntary guidelines for mobile apps that should make it easier for consumers to know what personal information is getting sucked from their smartphone or tablet and passed along to marketers.

'iFly' indoor sky diving breezes through Naperville zoning commissionBy Marie Wilson
Indoor skydiving isn't just for international tourist destinations like Dubai or celebrities like Justin Bieber — thanks to a company called iFly, it's also planned for Naperville and Rosemont and the everyday residents who call these suburbs home. “We offer a completely safe environment in which to experience the same thrill and excitement of jumping out of an airplane and free-falling,” said Stuart Wallock, iFly spokesman.

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo see soda declines continue
Associated PressIt seems that not even Beyonce or new, lower-calorie options can convince Americans to drink more soda.Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo Inc. and Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. all sold less soda in the second quarter in North America, dashing hopes for the moment that splashy new marketing and different sweetener mixes could get drinkers back.

Job site helps educators find the right fit
By Anna Marie KukecAbe Reese came from a family of educators, including his father, who was an administrator at a Park Ridge school district, and his mother, who was a music teacher. But it was his interest in technology that led him to work with such educators to develop AppliTrack, a web-based recruitment system. “There was no one particular site before where an applicant could find and apply for positions,” Reese said.

Southwest Airlines’ 2Q profit slips 2 percent
Associated PressSouthwest Airlines is getting a small break at the fuel pump, and that’s helping it beat Wall Street expectations for profit. The airline said Thursday that net income in the second quarter was $224 million, or 31 cents per share.

John Deere celebrates lawn tractor’s 50th birthday
Associated PressThousands of people are expected to gather in Horicon this weekend to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the John Deere lawn-and-garden tractor. The model 110 tractor was first made at John Deere Corp.’s Horicon Works factory in 1963. It is a miniature version of a regular tractor, with attachments that include a plow for planting.

U.S. unemployment aid applications rise 7K to 343K
Associated PressThe number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose by 7,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 343,000. The increase in the week ending July 20 follows a drop of 22,000 the previous week. But the broader trend is consistent with an improving job market.

U.S. average rate on 30-year loan falls to 4.31 pct.
Associated PressAverage rates on U.S. fixed mortgages fell for the second straight week, a welcome sign for homebuyers hoping to lock in lower rates that had spiked earlier this month. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the average on the 30-year loan fell to 4.31 percent.

Orders for U.S. durable goods rise 4.2 pct. in June
Associated PressOrders for long-lasting U.S. factory goods rose in June, bolstered by a surge in aircraft demand and more business spending. The increase suggests companies are more confident in the economy and could boost economic growth in the second half of the year.

GM 2Q profit falls nearly 16 percent Associated PressGeneral Motors says second-quarter net income fell 16 percent as slowing international profits and losses in Europe offset strong North American earnings. The company earned $1.26 billion from April through June, or 75 cents per share. That compares with $1.5 billion, or 90 cents per share, a year ago.

Obama to talk manufacturing in Tennessee The White House says President Barack Obama will travel to Tennessee next week to promote his proposals for boosting U.S. manufacturing and high-wage jobs. Obama will fly on Tuesday to Chattanooga, where he'll visit an Amazon fulfillment center, which packs and ships products to online purchasers.

Student loan deal faces an easy path in House A bipartisan Senate compromise on student loans is heading to House, where lawmakers there already have voted to link interest rates with the financial markets. If lawmakers can iron out the relatively small differences between the House student loan bill and the version the Senate passed Wednesday, students and their parents will find interest rates lower than the ones they faced last year.

Google aims more devices at Apple
Associated PressGoogle has unveiled a sleeker and more powerful version of its Nexus 7 tablet that runs on the company’s Android software. Prices for the improved model start at $229, or $30 higher than the lowest-priced Nexus 7 current on sale.

Illinois company to pay $302,500 over harassment claims
Associated PressA home health care provider has agreed to pay more than $302,500 in back pay and damages to settle sexual harassment claims by three St. Louis-area women.The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Moline-based Help at Home last August,

U. of Illinois president to get extension
Associated PressUniversity of Illinois trustees are expected to extend university President Robert Easter’s contract by a year. Trustees will meet Thursday in Chicago to sign off on a deal that would keep Easter as president through June 2015.

Lisle’s Catamaran Corp. to open national center in Chicago
Associated PressPharmacy benefit manager Catamaran Corp. says it will open a national “innovation center” in Chicago. The company and Mayor Rahm Emanuel say the 25,000-square-foot center will have 50 employees and will draw top health care and business innovators to the city.

Life & Entertainment

Aubrey Plaza looks fear in the face in racy comedy By Nicole Evatt
Aubrey Plaza had to overcome a few fears in the R-rated comedy “The To Do List” — including doing a number of hilariously awkward sex scenes. But the 29-year-old actress says she's anything but brave.

Passion for indies fuels Palatine film fest By Peter TimotijevicMichael Noens credits independent films with often displaying characters with depth and an artistic vision — something he says is missing from many big-name blockbusters. That's why Noens organizes the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival, The film fest, ongoing through Sunday at Cutting Hall in Palatine, showcases both short features and full-length movies. “Independent film in general has always been close to my heart,” he said.

DVD collection celebrates top Warner comedies
By Jeff TuckmanThe films in “Best of Warner Brothers 20 Film Comedy Collection” cover a wide range of years and topics — from a Marx Brothers 1935 classic to a rauncy R-rated 2009 hit.

A lobby for homeowner interests
By Ken HarneyA group of mortgage and real estate industry veterans, joined by leaders of national community development, fair housing and consumer groups, are set to launch an unusual effort — a national nonprofit organization modeled after AARP, the seniors lobby, solely to speak for the home-owning public.

J.K. Rowling’s ‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’ quite entertaining Associated PressFull disclosure: I never would have guessed. I’ve read every book J.K. Rowling has published. And still, I doubt I would have picked up on anything that would have made me think that SHE was the author behind “The Cuckoo’s Calling.”This is a good story, one that is entertaining enough to merit a read even if Robert Galbraith, Rowling’s pseudonym, had been a real person who really wrote it. It introduces readers to Cormoran Strike, a London private detective with his own complicated back story who's asked to look into the suspicious death of a supermodel, Lula.

Homicide trial set for Indian actor Salman Khan
Associated PressIndian movie star Salman Khan will face trial next month on a homicide charge for a fatal road accident more than 10 years ago. One man was killed and four people were injured when Khan drove his car into a group of homeless people sleeping on a Mumbai sidewalk in September 2002. The court charged Khan with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, said Abha Singh, a lawyer involved in the case. Khan could face up to 10 years in jail if convicted.

A new daughter makes Jimmy Fallon a first-time dad
Associated Press“Late Night” host Jimmy Fallon can expect some late nights at home as a proud new papa. A representative says Fallon and his wife, Nancy Juvonen Fallon, welcomed a baby daughter Tuesday morning.

Jason Sudeikis leaving ‘SNL’ cast
Associated PressAfter eight years on the air at “Saturday Night Live,” Jason Sudeikis says he’s calling it quits. Sudeikis used another late-night institution to make his announcement, telling David Letterman in the taping of Wednesday’s show that he’s leaving NBC’s weekend program.

Jackman gives 'Wolverine' sequel added depth By Jocelyn Noveck
Hugh Jackman has been playing famed mutant Wolverine since 2000 and could do it in his sleep if he wanted to. Yet on his latest outing, he gives his character added depth and vulnerability, lifting "The Wolverine" up from the usual blockbuster-sequel fare.

‘The To Do List’ a funny teen romp By Justin Lowe
Coming-of-age comedies are fraught with seemingly limitless pitfalls, necessitating a well-honed screenplay and persuasive performances to assure audience allegiance. So with consistently entertaining characters and infectious humor, writer-director Maggie Carey’s “The To Do List” delivers well above expectations.

Space art eyes creativity in tech at Smithsonian
Associated PressThe familiar exteriors of astronauts’ spacesuits often hide all of the ingenuity and mechanics that are built inside the suits, which were first imagined as “wearable spacecraft.” Now a new art exhibit, “Suited for Space,” opening Friday at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, highlights the creativity behind the suits that allowed humans to explore the moon and aspire to fly farther from Earth. X-ray images and photographs show the suits in intricate detail.

Kate applauded for not hiding new mommy tummy
Associated PressAs Kate and William showed off the royal baby, what caught the eye of many women was not the new heir to the throne but the Duchess of Cambridge’s post-childbirth silhouette: that little bump under her pretty polka-dot dress. “I love that she came out and there was a mommy tummy. It was there! We all saw it!” said Lyss Stern of New York City. Stern added that Kate was sending “the right message,” in stark contrast to Hollywood celebrities who are shown “three weeks after childbirth with a flat stomach and G-string bikini. That’s not real.”

Rich, real performances make for a moving ‘Still Mine’ By Michael O’Sullivan
Like the Academy Award-winning “Amour,” “Still Mine” is a love story in which the protagonists are, refreshingly, not hardbodied Hollywood hotties. The surprisingly moving but clear-eyed Canadian film about a couple in their 80s, stars James Cromwell and Genevieve Bujold as a long-married couple. Based on a true story, the film by writer-director Michael McGowan is structured around the efforts of Craig Morrison (Cromwell) to build a more manageable house for his increasingly forgetful wife, Irene (Bujold), after she falls and breaks her hip. But it winds up being something more.

Doc shows orca safety not always a black-and-white issueBy Dann Gire
Dann reviews the laughably amateurish science-fiction thriller “Stranded” starring Christian Slater, plus the amazing documentary “Blackfish.” He also interviews the director, Gabriela Cowperthwaite, about how she was able to use the Freedom of Information Act to extract amazing footage from SeaWorld cameras. Dann also recounts the biggest “Star Wars” blunder George Lucas' team ever made.

Kanye West’s ‘Yeezus’: Heaven-sent or weak event?By Mesfin FekaduTo no one’s surprise, Kanye West’s sixth solo effort debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 charts last month. But “Yeezus” only sold 327,000 units that week — West’s lowest first-week sales since he released his 2004 debut, “The College Dropout." Could West’s album be headed south?

Music notes: Samples hit the Montrose Room
Veteran alt-pop group the Samples will perform at the Montrose Room in Rosemont Friday. If you enjoyed rock music in the 1970s and 1980s, chances are you're a fan of Heart. The classic band formed by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson will perfom in the suburbs early next week.

Elk Grove Village dancer already in elite companyBy Kimberly Pohl and Elena FerrarinThree years ago, Joey Massarelli didn't know a plie from a pirouette. Today, the Elk Grove Village teen is in London training at the School of the Royal Ballet. "Once I stood at that (ballet) bar, it really started to click and I really started to enjoy it,” said Joey, who'll be a senior at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. “It's kind of cliché, but I feel free. I'm able to really just be myself.”

Preserve the right to protect ourselves
An Arlington Heights letter to the editor: Do people have a right to protect life and property? That was the very principle the nation was founded upon. Should they be allowed to live in gated communities with the expectation that their privacy is respected? How much violence are they required to accept until they act?

Start over with a new Metra board
A Schaumburg letter to the editor: The Metra board of directors continues to fail in its primary responsibilities: overseeing the finances of the organization and setting its policies, not meddling in staffing and other management issues. It’s governance 101.

Unions became downfall of Detroit
A Mount Prospect letter to the editor: To eventually seek refuge from the city’s powerful unions, the auto industry started to expand beyond the city and built plants in suburban and rural areas. So the city with the once-most innovative, cutting-edge, dominant industry in the world has filed for bankruptcy.

President, press not answering questions
A Prospect Heights letter to the editor: The president is worried about states’ rights allowing stand-your-ground laws, but he might serve the country better if he would focus on the illegal guns used every day in America’s cities to kill black youths instead of taking a tragedy and manipulating it into a political tool to achieve his agenda.

These sentences unmatched to crimes
A Palatine letter to the editor: What is wrong with our legal system? Ex-teacher Jack Pickup has been sentenced to two years of probation and 200 hours of community service and a court cost fine of $3,035. This is for sexting a 15-year-old former student

The things Trayvon might have done
A Warrenville letter to the editor: President Barack Obama, a Democrat, recently commented on George Zimmerman’s acquittal. He said that Zimmerman’s victim, Trayvon Martin, could have been he (Obama) 35 years ago. That statement struck me as a very deep thought.

Who is GOP
looking out for?
An Elgin letter to the editor: Thanks to Obamacare, the premiums on health insurance went down 50 percent in New York. This is in addition to closing the drug doughnut hole, covering children until they’re 26 and preventing insurance companies from dumping clients if they get really sick and run-up extensive medical bills.

Trayvon protests aren’t helping
Trayvon protests aren’t helpingThe George Zimmerman trial has stirred up angry protests against our legal system. The legal system is not perfect and needs some reform. However, these protests viewed in a larger context, do more harm than good. The protests contribute to the polarization of a black and white society and are a distraction from a more fundamental problem. I watched the entire trial. The jury made the right decision. If Trayvon Martin felt threatened he had plenty of time to leave the area. He chose to confront George Zimmerman and initiate the physical attack resulting in his death. In Trayvon’s world, violence is an acceptable way to solve a problem.During the last week of the trial, more than a dozen African Americans were murdered by African American males in Chicago. This “black on black” violence is common in urban settings. Using violence to solve problems is learned early in life. Young children learn most coping skills from their parents. The lack of positive role models for these African American children in their early years make them more likely to adopt negative coping skills. If these protesters want to solve the fundamental underlying issue, they will mentor or be a positive role model for an African American child. Trayvon Martin would be alive today if he chose a more rational response to a perceived threat.Ron MengarelliGilberts